What Kind Of Probiotics Are Best For Dogs
When you choose probiotics for dogs, the type you use really depends on his individual health and needs. Here are some of the best researched and most effective probiotic strains for dogs .
Lactic Acid Probiotics
The vast majority of probiotics for dogs are lactic acid bacteria, usually made from fermented milk. Youll see their strain names on the supplement label, along with the species name. The Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species are often shown as B. Or L. So you might see B. Longum or L. acidophilus.
Lactobacillus species convert milk sugar to lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine. Like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium species produce lactic acid but theyre not considered a lactic acid bacteria. Bifidobacterium live in the colon and can interact with immune cells. They can crowd out harmful bacteria and help support the immune system. Low numbers ofLactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been linked to anxiety.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics are pretty fragile and they typically only last about 24 hours before theyre eliminated from the gut. But even though theyre unlikely to colonize, their DNA remains and they can still offer many health benefits. Overall, theyre useful probiotics for dogs with diarrhea.
Individual lactic acid probiotic strains include:
Lactobacillus CaseiThis probiotic lives in the mucus membrane of animals. Its an important part of the gut-brain axis and can affect mood and emotions.
Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites With Natural Digestive Enzymes Chews
Image courtesy Zesty Paws
Probiotics with digestive enzymes can aid in digestion and elimination if your dog is having digestive problems or has a frequent tummy ache. Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites are an excellent choice for dogs of all sizes since they’re both natural and effective.
Zesty Paws has 6 strains of probiotics and prebiotics in each bite, for a total of over 3 billion CFU, which is comparable to some prescription-strength probiotics. This dog probiotic supplement includes pumpkin and papaya extracts to help the digestive tract work more efficiently and efficiently break down fats and proteins.
These two ingredients work together to make it simpler for many dogs to digest and eliminate their meals.
Yogurt Or Kefir With Live Cultures
If you give your dog yogurt or kefir, keep in mind yogurt cultures are used for the manufacture of the product live cultures may not be present. Only give your dog unsweetened, plain yogurt. Read the label carefully to ensure there are no artificial sweeteners in the product.
Live probiotic cultures can be found in other fermented food products, such as raw goat milk, fermented vegetables, kimchi and tempeh.
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The Best Probiotic Dosage And Cfu For Dogs
A good quality probiotic for your dog should have a daily serving Calories Forming Units of between 1 to 10 billion. This shows the number of bacteria that are available in the supplement.
The administration and dosage of probiotics will differ depending on several factors. These factors are the form of the product, CFU per serving, and the size of your dog. You will need the following recommended dosage in most cases.
For chews:
- 1 chew per day for dogs weighing up to 24 pounds
- 2 chews per day for dogs between 25 to 74 pounds
- 3 chews daily for dogs weighing 75 pounds and more.
For liquid probiotics:
- 0.5 ml daily for dogs weighing up to 54 pounds.
- 1.0 ml daily for dogs weighing 55 pounds and more.
The dosage is different due to the number of probiotics per serving. You should follow your vets advice and manufacturers guidelines before giving your dog a new supplement.
For food-based probiotics, such as yogurt, it is best to get plain ones. Avoid sweetened yogurts as they may subject your dog to other health issues.
Review all the ingredients in any commercial dog product before purchasing.
Once you put your dog on probiotic supplements, you need to observe how he behaves. Take a close look at his daily behavior, overall health, eating, and sleeping patterns.
If you do not notice any improvements from his previous conditions, then you can adjust their dosage.
You should administer the probiotics to your dog during mealtimes to get the most out of it.
Benefits Of Probiotics For Dogs
A healthy balance of bacteria is important for healthy dogs. Probiotics for dogs have benefits that can help your dog digest food, make and absorb vitamins and minerals, and keep a strong immune system. Some research shows that giving friendly bacteria to your dog can help improve the following:
Itâs important to know that while there is research on using probiotics in humans, there isnât a lot of research on using probiotics in dogs. More studies are needed to know how probiotics might help your dog.
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Considerations For Probiotics For Dogs
Before giving your dog a probiotic, here are some things to think about.
Your dogâs health is an indicator. If your dog is healthy, they may not need a probiotic. A vet will usually prescribe a probiotic if thereâs a problem with your dogâs gut or digestion. This is usually caused by illness or stress.
Diet also plays a big role. Research shows that dogs who eat a diet high in carbohydrates may not have healthy microbiomes. Changing your dogâs food and adding more protein could help. Your vet can help you find the right food for your dog.
There are different strains of probiotics. Probiotics differ in the types and amounts of bacteria strains they contain. Some of the bacteria commonly found in probiotics and the gut include:
- Lactobacillus casei
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Enterococcus faecium
Not all probiotics are made the same and some donât have the strains your dog may need. Itâs important to talk with your vet and read labels to make sure youâre giving the right bacteria to your dog.
Probiotics are sensitive to temperature, air, and moisture. Probiotics are living things that have been adapted to living in the GI tract. Exposure to air, temperature and moisture extremes for long periods of time can kill the microbes inside and render the product useless. This means they may need to be kept in the fridge.
Dogs can also be allergic to dairy or lactose-intolerant, which can cause diarrhea and upset stomach.
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How Many Cfu Of Probiotics Does My Dog Need
The amount of CFU needed depends on the problem that is being treatedevery dog has different needs.
The research available for dogs is not as robust as it is in humans, and we find that the dog owner is the best at discerning how much is needed. Those who monitor their dog’s health during probiotic therapy can judge by the reaction/improvement, or otherwise, if the dose should be increased or decreased.
That said, we do provide a “rule of thumb” for dosing probiotics for your dog.
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Feeding Guide For Little Bites
TREATS / TOPPERS: If using Big Dog Little Bites as treats or toppers, integrate into your dogâs diet taking their total energy requirements into account.
MEALS: If using Big Dog Little Bites as your dogâs primary source of nutrition, feed 3 Little Bites per kg of body weight daily.
For puppies under 12 months, pregnant or lactating dogs or working active dogs with higher energy requirement, double the daily serve size.
For dogs 5 kg and over, consider Big Dog raw patties for an economical feeding option for larger daily feeding amounts.
How Much Probiotics For Dogs A Safe And Effective Dose
There are multiple studies showing that 10 billion CFU is a safe and well-tolerated dose.
Somewhere in the range of 6 billion to 10 billion CFU is a good range for larger dogs. Smaller dogs, however, will benefit from much smaller doses such as 2 billion CFU or even just 1 billion CFU per day.
A good dose range to go by is:
- Up to 10 pounds: 1 billion CFU per day
- 11-30 pounds: 2 billion CFU per day
- 30-70 pounds: 4 billion CFU per day
- 70 pounds and up: 6 billion CFU per day
You can adjust the dosage you give your dog as necessary based on results.
Its important to not go overboard with probiotics. As with anything, too much can be a bad thing. So in general, just give your dog a single serving per day based on their weight.
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Can You Give Dogs Probiotics Twice A Day
If your dog needs to take probiotics, it is important to know how much to give him. A single serving is often not enough to provide the healthy bacteria your dog needs to thrive. In addition to a daily dose of probiotics, you should give your dog an occasional treat of a chewable tablet of MiracleZyme. But if your dog is on a strict diet, it may be a good idea to give them twice a day.
Several thousand dog owners have already added probiotics to their dogs diet. The process is simple just open a packet and sprinkle the powder on their food. They are unlikely to complain about the taste many dogs lick the bowl clean just to get the powder! And if they do complain, it is most likely because they arent used to it! But it is possible that your dog has a specific problem that requires more than just probiotics.
Purina Fortiflora Pro Plan Veterinary Powder Supplements
Purina Fortiflora Pro Plan Veterinary Powder Supplements are liver-flavored probiotic supplements in pre-measured powder packets.
Each package comes with 30 probiotic powder packets. And each packet weighs 1.6 ounces.
So, each package comes with a monthly dose of probiotics to feed your dog. And this product affords dog owners one of the easiest ways to ensure that their dog is getting its daily dose of probiotic medications.
One of the hardest things about feeding your dog its probiotic meds is getting it to eat them. Dogs are notorious for spitting out probiotic pills unless you embed them in something incredibly delicious.
Dog owners never have to worry about that problem with Purina Fortiflora Pro Plan Veterinary Powder Supplements.
You can sprinkle one liver-flavored supplement packet into one of your dog’s meals per day. Drizzle a little water to mix it well if you are serving a dry kibble meal to your dog so that a soupy gravy forms.
Instead of spitting out a probiotic pill, your dog will be lapping up its powdered meds.
You can buy Purina Fortiflora Pro Plan Veterinary Powder Supplements at Amazon for about $30. Once your doctor confirms that your dog’s gut flora, or microbiome, is back to normal, you could reduce the one packet dosage to half-a-pack daily
The $30 product price is a deal in this circumstance since you can stretch your supply a little further.
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How Often Should Probiotics Be Taken
To find your optimal probiotic schedule, we need to break things down into times per day and time of day for healthy bacteria consumption: According to resources like Harvard Medical School, it is best to take one dose of probiotics per day in the form of a supplement or a probiotic-rich snack or meal.
How Long Should A Dog Take A Probiotic
The length of the use of probiotics depends on the dogs overall health and the underlying condition. Some dogs need occasional supplementation , while others benefit from the continuous use of probiotics.
If you are not sure whether you should discontinue the use of probiotics, it is best to consult with your trusted veterinarian.
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When Probiotics Are Completely Useless In Your Dog
Probiotics are generally healthy, but there are certain circumstances when they will not work.
Small intestinal bacteria overgrowth can be a serious problem that reduces the efficiency of probiotics. Most bacteria will hang around the colon, while a few of them will be in the small intestine. When the small intestine gets too much bacteria, the digestion will be affected. Obviously, the system will also absorb less nutrients than normally.
Lots of people and dogs have this issue and symptoms vary widely weight loss, gas, IBS, diarrhea, gut and skin issues. The problem has multiple causes, including drugs and diets rich in carbohydrates. If your dog seems to feel worse after getting probiotics, it might suffer from this problem.
Most of the bacteria in this area include bifidobacterium and lactobacillus species, meaning you should not give your dog probiotic. On the other hand, soil based probiotics will stay in their coats until they are needed and the environment feels healthy, so they make a good alternative.
Other than that, probiotics can be killed by antibiotics. Some of them can survive antibiotics, while others will delay the natural recovery of the microbiome. If your dog has just been through antibiotic treatment, hold on for a while. The only probiotic that can still work is saccharomyces boulardii.
If your dogs microbiome is not in the best condition, probiotics will not solve the problem. They can help a little, but the treatment goes way further than that.
How Do I Choose The Best Probiotic For My Dog
There are many factors to consider when choosing a probiotic for your dog. The first is to consult with your veterinarian to see if probiotics are right for your dog. Next, consider the following criteria before buying the best dog probiotics for 2022:
Ingredients: Look for a probiotic that contains live and active cultures.
Number of CFUs: The number of Colony Forming Units will determine the potency of the probiotic. A higher number of CFUs is generally better.
Price: Probiotics can range in price from $15 to $50. Choose the best probiotic for your dog based on their needs and your budget.
Reviews: Look for positive reviews from other dog owners before purchasing a probiotic.
With so many different types of probiotics available, it can be difficult to choose the best one for your dog. However, by considering the factors above, you can narrow down the options and find the best dog probiotic for your furry friend.
Now that we shared more details about the best dog probiotics for 2022, let’s elaborate further on our top 20 picks:
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What Should I Look For In Probiotics For Puppies
When looking for probiotics for puppies, you must consider factors like the type of good bacteria, number of live cultures, overall ingredient quality, probiotic form, and flavor.
- Types of Good Bacteria. The probiotic should feature different probiotic strains that fit the puppys individual needs. For example, Bifidobacterium members boost the immune system while Lactobacillus bacteria support digestion.
- Colony Forming Units . This is a measurement that indicates the number of bacteria in the supplement. Usually, higher CFUs are better. However, it must not be too high since good bacteria can start competing with each other.
- Ingredient Quality. All ingredients in the probiotics for puppies must be of premium, human-grade quality and supportive of the probiotics goal .
- No Fillers & Allergens. Probiotics for puppies must be free from GMO ingredients, fillers, and potential allergens . It should also be free from preservatives and artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.
- Form & Flavor. Probiotics for puppies come in various forms and dog-friendly flavors . Get a probiotic form that is easy for you to administer and the probiotic flavor your puppy likes the most.
Finding the best probiotics for puppies is a challenging task. There are many brands offering different types of probiotics. Plus, a study found a mismatch between probiotic product labels and the actual content.
Best Probiotics For Dogs Reviewed By Us
Our dogs arent just petstheyre family members. Thats why we care about their health, ensure they get enough exercise, feed them a balanced diet, etc. However, when it comes to your dogs wellness, they might be missing something: good bacteria.
When your dog has a healthy gut, there is good bacteria present that breaks down food particles, helping with digestion. But if their gut gets out of balance, bad bacteria can take over and cause GI problems.
Probiotics for dogs can help restore the balance of good bacteria in their gut. We reviewed a lot of dog probiotics to create this list of the five best to consider for your pup, and here they are!
- Gives your dog a vibrant & shiny coat
- Eliminates itchy skin
- Provides natural relief for dogs with allergies
- Adds essential joint support
Origins Canine 5in1 is designed to add the nutrition lacking in commercial dog food. Includes vitamins, minerals, fish oils, and more to support canine hips, joints, skin & coat, allergies, and gut health. We can do this because we believe in being a real solution for all dog owners by putting dog health before money to earn your trust.
We invite you to try Origins Canine 5in1 supplement because we truly believe it is the best supplement for dogs on the market. Our products have the first-ever 100% No Bull Sh*t Guarantee. The only risk is not seeing your dog thriving at its very best!
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What Pet Owners Say:
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Good Bacteria For Dogs
Science has identified specific types of healthy bacteria that fight stomach problems:
Enterococcus faecium is a popular probiotic strains for dogs. It occurs naturally in the gut. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus can also be given.
But they require refrigeration! If not, they could be harmful and/or ineffective.
There is also Dinovite which is well-known to many dog owners.
The trend is to provide a mix of the best bacteria for use as a canine health supplement.
Why Is My Dogs Poop Slimy
Weird but true: Dogs lower intestinal tract glands produce a clear, jelly-like slime to lubricate the colon and help stool pass more easily. And sometimes, that slime can coat your dogs poop or accumulate at the end. An occasional coating is normal, or it can indicate a self-resolving issue, Huggins says.
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